Archive · 25 Aug 2026
US Considers New Fees for H-1B and OPT Programs
The United States may charge new fees for two immigration programs.
One program, H-1B, helps foreign professionals work in specialized jobs.
The other, called OPT, lets international students work temporarily in jobs related to their studies.
The Department of Homeland Security is reviewing possible fee rules.
Officials have not announced how much the new fees would be.
A law firm said the OPT fee could possibly reach $100,000, based on news reports.
A separate H-1B fee proposal may be connected to an earlier $100,000 payment requirement.
That earlier requirement was struck down by a federal court.
The US Department of Homeland Security has begun proposing new fees for H-1B and F-1 OPT programs.
The proposed fees are still under review, and their amounts have not been confirmed.
A proposed OPT fee rule was sent to the Office of Management and Budget on August 20.
A separate proposal involving fees on certain H-1B petitions cleared OMB review on August 19.
Indian-born beneficiaries accounted for 71% of approved H-1B petitions in fiscal 2024, according to USCIS.
- Who
- The US Department of Homeland Security, international students, foreign professionals, and Indian H-1B beneficiaries are involved.
- What
- The Department of Homeland Security is considering new fees for H-1B petitions and F-1 Optional Practical Training applications.
- When
- The OPT proposal was sent to OMB on August 20, and the H-1B proposal cleared review on August 19; the year is not specified in the article.
- Where
- The proposals are being considered in the United States.
- Why
- The article does not state the official reason for the proposed fees; it reports that the proposals are part of a regulatory process amid increased scrutiny of the programs.
- Programs affected
- H-1B work visas and F-1 Optional Practical Training
- Responsible agency
- US Department of Homeland Security
- Current status
- Both proposals remain under review, with exact fee amounts undisclosed
- OPT proposal
- Sent to the Office of Management and Budget on August 20
- H-1B proposal
- A proposal concerning fees on certain H-1B petitions cleared OMB review on August 19
- Possible OPT amount
- Fragomen cited reports suggesting the fee could be as high as $100,000
- Indian share of H-1B approvals
- Beneficiaries born in India represented 71% of approved H-1B petitions in fiscal 2024